Math Dictionary / Percent Change
Percent Change
Percent change describes how much a value increases or decreases compared with the original value.
Ratios and ProportionsGrade 7Grade 8Algebra 1GEDSATACT
What it means
It is found by comparing the amount of change to the original value.
Also called: percent increase, percent decrease
Examples
| From 50 to 60 is a 20% increase |
| From 80 to 60 is a 25% decrease |
| Discounts and markups are percent changes |
Common mistake
Use the original value in the denominator, not the new value.
Try one
Question: A price rises from $40 to $50. What is the percent increase?
Show answer
The increase is $10, and 10/40 = 25%.